On April 20, 2012, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), arrived in Phuket of Thailand, starting a six-day official good-will visit to Thailand as guest of Thai Senate.

China and Thailand are not only neighbors geographically, but also share close cultural bonds, said Jia in his written speech delivered at the airport, adding a profound relationship of "kith and kin" runs deep between the two peoples. Speaking highly of the smooth development of bilateral relations established 37 years ago, Jia said the two countries have witnessed frequent exchanges of state leaders, expanding bilateral practical cooperation and close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. The comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Thailand is based on a solid foundation and its development prospects are broad, he added.

On his visit which is aimed to deepen friendship, strengthen mutual trust, enhance exchanges and expand cooperation, Jia said he will meet extensively with the Thai royal family, government, parliament and people from all walks of life and have in-depth exchanges of views with them on issues of mutual interest. Jia expressed the hope that through the visit, the two countries can further consolidate and deepen the traditional good-neighborly friendship, bring more benefits to the people, and make greater contribution to stability and prosperity in Asia.

Jia's entourage including Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of the National Committee of the CPPCC Qian Yunlu arrived by the same plane. Speaker of the Senate Thiradet Miphian, Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and other Thai senior officials as well as Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Guan Mu greeted Jia at the airport.

Upon leaving Brunei, Jia was seen off at the airport by senior officials of Brunei including Education Minister Bakar, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Zheng Xianglin.